Leading the way in patient and public engagement

Kelly Gleason photographed with (L) Professor Maggie Dallman, Associate Provost, and (R) Professor Alice P. Gast, President of Imperial College London at the ceremony on the 22nd November.

Senior Research Nurse leads the way in engaging patients and the public in cancer research taking place at Imperial.

Congratulations to Kelly Gleason, Cancer Research UK Senior Research Nurse who was named runner-up for the Leadership Award at the first President's Awards for Excellence in Societal Engagement.

In Kelly’s role as Cancer Research UK Senior Research Nurse she has led health promotion activities at Imperial for over 8 years. Over this time Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) has become embedded into best practice here at the College. 

One shining example of this is the Imperial Patient and Public Involvement Group for Cancer Research hosted by the Department of Surgery and Cancer. This well-established and active patient group is led by Kelly and comprised of active patients, ex-patients and carers of those affected. It supports research and clinical trials applications in cancer, advising academics on how to access and become involved with patient groups and driving the delivery of bespoke projects. The patient group have supported numerous research projects from grant submission to dissemination of results; helping to change the research culture in Surgery and Cancer.

Under Kelly’s leadership, the College runs a whole programme of projects to engage, retain, recruit and thank cancer patients. From Science Cafes and evening seminars, art installations and choreography classes, there are now platforms for patients, researchers and members of the public to come together. The Imperial Science Cafes, held at the Maggie’s Centre at Charing Cross Hospital, have also been instrumental in getting Imperial scientists sharing their work with patients and demystifying clinical research with the public.

The patient group plays an active role in collaborative and patient-led initiatives, many of which have an artistic edge. Back in 2014, Rina Dave produced a moving portrait exhibition entitled 'The people who are keeping me alive' which was showcased at the College and supported by Cancer Research UK. The exhibit was designed to celebrate the 22 key people, including doctors, nurses, family and friends, supporting Rina through her cancer journey. Cancer Research UK are eager to display the portraits anywhere in the UK where they may have impact so please get in contact with Kelly if you are interested in exhibiting them. k.gleason@imperial.ac.uk.

On World Cancer Day, an installation of 250 ceramic butterflies and flowers was launched in the outpatient cancer clinical at Charing Cross Hospital. The artwork was influenced by patients and staff and represents the relationship between research and care. 

Find out more about the work Kelly is involved in through the Cancer Research Imperial Centre website.